Jalen Johnson had a stellar performance, recording his second consecutive triple-double and fourth of the season. He dominated with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 131-116 victory over the Washington Wizards on Saturday night. Johnson's impressive showing continued from the previous night, where he contributed 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in a close loss to the Denver Nuggets.
The Hawks' victory snapped a three-game losing streak and served as a revenge for their earlier loss to the Wizards on November 25th. Onyeka Okongwu added 21 points, further bolstering the team's offensive prowess. Vít Krejci was instrumental in the Hawks' comeback, scoring 14 points and hitting three crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter. The Hawks overcame a 20-point deficit in the second quarter and an 18-point deficit in the third, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Despite CJ McCollum's 28 points and seven 3-pointers for the Wizards, the team couldn't prevent the loss. The Wizards' struggles continued, losing their third game in a row and second straight at home after a two-game winning streak. Johnson's defensive rebound late in the third quarter sealed his triple-double, and the Hawks dominated the game with a 45-26 rebound advantage and a 70-42 scoring edge in the paint.
However, the Wizards mounted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to 97-97 early in the fourth quarter. The Hawks responded with an 8-0 run, fueled by Krejci's back-to-back 3-pointers, and the Wizards couldn't close the gap again. The Hawks' next game is a road trip to Detroit, while the Wizards will host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
This game highlights the Hawks' ability to overcome adversity and the Wizards' ongoing challenges. The AP NBA coverage can be found at apnews.com/hub/nba.
